The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

Posted by
  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species

Posted by

 

By Per-Anders Olsson - Per-Anders Olsson (used with permission), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79273

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species

Abstract
Armenia is home to a rich diversity of unique species. Scorpion venom is a complex mixture of biologically active compounds that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Recent studies have confirmed that scorpion venom contains antimicrobial peptides effective against various bacteria. Additionally, it exhibits immunosuppressive and anticancer properties. The aim of this study is to investigate the composition and selected biological activities of venom from two scorpion species native to Armenia. The proteolytic and hemolytic activities of venom and hemolymph from Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda scorpions were analyzed using 12% SDS-PAGE. Protein fractions were separated based on their molecular weight under denaturing conditions. Antibacterial activity of the crude venom, hemolymph, and isolated protein fractions was assessed using the agar diffusion method. The venom and hemolymph of Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda exhibit narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity. Notably, the protein composition of venom and hemolymph differs between the two species. Antibacterial effects are attributed to only two specific protein and/or glycoprotein fractions present in the venom. Furthermore, nutritional status appears to influence the protein profile of both venom and hemolymph. In addition to their antimicrobial properties, the venom and hemolymph also demonstrate proteolytic and hemolytic activities. The venom and hemolymph of Mesobuthus caucasicus and Androctonus crassicauda demonstrate distinct protein compositions and exhibit significant antibacterial, proteolytic, and hemolytic activities, highlighting their potential for biotechnological and therapeutic applications.

Biological Activities of Scorpion Venom and Hemolymph from Two Armenian Species. (2025). Journal of Innovative Solutions for Eco-Environmental Sustainability, 029. https://doi.org/10.46991/JISEES.2025.SI1.029